Working partners

The IFRC works through its National Societies and with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), but it also collaborates with many other organizations in order to carry out its work more effectively.

Since 1994, the IFRC has had Observer status with the United Nations General Assembly, giving it the opportunity to take part in international debates at the highest level, and access to negotiations and deliberations within the structures of almost all international organisations.

In addition, the IFRC has utilised its international legal personality to build working agreements with a wide range of international partners.

Health and Care in the Community - The IFRC continues to build partnerships with regional and international institutions to address global health issues and to build on National Societies’ comparative advantages and capacity to complement their national and local efforts. The International Partnership against AIDS in Africa and the WHO-led Stop TB and Roll Back Malaria campaigns will specifically be used as frameworks for joint experiences in pilot countries.

Development - The IFRC acts to strengthen the capacities of National Societies worldwide. It aims to ensure that this assistance is sustainable and consistent.

Training - The IFRC and its Red Cross/Red Crescent National Societies work together with UNHCR and its country offices to develop and implement First Aid Training for UNHCR staff, compatible with local needs, and in accordance with the agreed guidelines.

Research - The IFRC works in partnership with research institutions, universities and the private sector to share experiences and monitor trends in humanitarian assistance including funding, standards and methodologies. The value of the World Disaster Report, published by the IFRC annually, has been recognised by its peer organisations and used as a reference paper.

At a local and national level, National Societies build partnerships with community groups, businesses, government ministries and inter-governmental agencies, to enable them to integrate their programmes and services in each country more effectively.

This work is supported at the regional level by the IFRC's representational activity, including with UN regional organisations and others, such as the League of Arab States and the Organisation of American States.

The Movement's International Conference, held every four years, brings the National Societies, the IFRC and the ICRC together with states party to the Geneva Conventions to discuss and decide on actions in the humanitarian field.